The Minidoka National Historic Site in Jerome, Idaho, will have new leadership.
Kurt Ikeda will take over as Director of Interpretation and Education, while Emily Teraoka will take on the role of Lead Park Ranger, the National Park Service (NPS) recently announced in a press release. Additionally, Friends of Minidoka has confirmed the appointment of Robyn Achilles as Executive Director.
“We are beyond fortunate to have staff as talented and dedicated as Kurt, Emily, and Robyn on our team” Wade Vagias, Superintendent for three National Parks in southern Idaho, including Minidoka, stated. “The future of both Minidoka National Historic Site and Friends of Minidoka is so bright with these three individuals in positions of leadership.”
Teraoka, whose LinkedIn profile indicates that she has been employed by the National Park Service since July 2020, will supervise visitor center operations and be responsible for the site's ongoing development of interpretive exhibits and programs.
With more than 20 years of non-profit leadership experience, Achilles adds a wealth of knowledge to Friends of Minidoka, having most recently worked with the Community Library in Ketchum, Idaho.
“We are so grateful to have Robyn as our new Executive Director,” Andy Dunn, President of Friends of Minidoka, said in the release. “Her passion, vision, and leadership abilities bring so much to Friends of Minidoka.
Meanwhile, Ikeda will oversee Minidoka's interpretation, education, and community engagement programs.
In March 2021, Kurt Ikeda was appointed Acting Chief of Interpretation and Education at Minidoka National Historic Site, according to an announcement on the site's official Facebook page.
Before joining the National Park Service, he served as an Education Coordinator for three parks in southern Idaho, campaigned for the Asian Americans and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, and taught high school in Los Angeles.
Each of the three appointees identifies as a descendant of interned Japanese Americans during WWII. The trio will bring their unique perspectives and professional backgrounds to work on the site's education and preservation.
